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Teska Carson is marketing a retail investment opportunity at Burwood East in Melbourne’s eastern suburban heartland.
The property will be auctioned on Friday, March 27 at 1pm on site.
The shop 13, 10-14 Burwood Highway, property comprises a 60 square metre retail premises utilised as a newsagency and returning $46,160 per annum on an eight year term (with an eight year option) from August 2019.
Located in the tightly held and highly sought after Burwood Heights Shopping Centre the property, trading as East Burwood Newsagency, is part of a Woolworths anchored centre with 37 shops including a Commonwealth Bank, BWS, medical, health &amp; beauty, café and food outlets.
According to Teska Carson marketing agents, Luke Bisset and Michael Taylor, the property also benefits from the Centre’s excellent exposure to both Burwood Highway and Middleborough Road, and ample on-site customer parking.
This is a superbly located property which infinitely enhances its investment credentials along with the secure eight year lease and the attraction of 37 specialty stores and the Woolworths supermarket.
These credentials have made these shops highly desirable from an investment point of view and it goes without saying that this property is likely to attract a high level of investor interest,’’ Mr Bisset said.
He said the property, zoned Commercial 1 under the City of Whitehorse Planning Scheme, also benefitted from its position within the City of Whitehorse which is home to some of Melbourne’s leading educational, medical and leisure facilities and features the largest information and communication technology precinct in Melbourne’s east. 
Located 20 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD the municipality covers an area of 64 square kilometres, has access to an extensive public transport system and is strategically positioned to take advantage of the Eastern Freeway and EastLink.
Mr Taylor said the local community was very well resourced and continued to attract new residents and new businesses.
This strongly growing community provides investors with confidence that demand for commercial property will also continue to grow,’’ Mr Taylor said.
He said the property’s key attributes included its prime location within a strongly trading centre, a secure eight year lease and transport links and parking. 
With good trade exposure, the property has optimistic growth prospects.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Leased retail property in Burwood East for sale: Teska Carson

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
With insolvencies at an all-time high, and the continued risk of constructing high-rise unit blocks, it is essential developers focus on the ‘missing’ middle ring, employ a sustainable business model and address imbalances in the property market, according to RiskWise Property Research CEO Doron Peleg.
This has never been more important, Mr Peleg says, as figures show building approvals, especially in Sydney, are on the increase.
According to the latest figures from the HIA, building approvals in November reached their highest level since March 2019, up by 11.8 per cent due, predominantly, to a surge in NSW. 
Figures show, in seasonally adjusted terms, building approvals for the month of November 2019 increased in NSW (+52.8 per cent), South Australia (+3.8 per cent) and Queensland (+1.0 per cent).
However,<a href="http://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au/" target="_blank"> RiskWise’s</a> Mr Peleg said an increase in approvals did not necessary bode well for the property market as indicated by the record number of developer insolvencies.
ASIC reports the number of construction businesses that went into external administration rose from 371 in the September quarter of 2018 to 514 in 2019. Meanwhile, over the 2018-19 financial year, 556 construction companies went under, 101 more than the previous financial year.
In addition, 169 NSW-based construction companies went into administration, receivership or a court-ordered shutdown in the June quarter which was the highest number since the September quarter in 2015.
According to CreditorWatch, the construction sector also topped the list for recovery court actions Australia-wide and in NSW, court actions for recovery in the third quarter of 2019 were 35 per cent higher than the comparable quarter of 2018.
Mr Peleg said there had already been numerous cases of lots approved for development and subsequently sold at a loss, especially in light of the construction defect reports. 
“And if you are losing 20 per cent, you are lucky. We are really talking about millions of dollars,” he said.
“The point is developers are at risk of insolvencies and this means they need to mitigate this risk by ensuring they have a sustainable business model, focus on the ‘missing’ middle ring and address imbalances in the property market.
“Focusing on the missing middle is by far more of a solution than taking the risk of off-the-plan high-rise development.”
Mr Peleg said population growth, job creation, improving economies and good infrastructure that Sydney and Melbourne were experiencing would draw people to these cities and, therefore, increase demand for property, with population forecasters expecting both to hit the eight million mark by 2050.
In addition, he said in the current environment of already high prices it would be more difficult for owner-occupiers to compete with property investors, especially given the current environment of low interest rates and low out-of-pocket expenses.  
“We expect to see investors increase their activity in the market as it is currently well below peak and this will put further pressure on dwelling prices and housing affordability,” he said. 
“But it must be remembered that family suitable units in the middle rings are more attractive to owner-occupiers looking for larger floor space, lower price per square metre and smaller unit blocks. These are, effectively an alternative dwelling to houses, which are, in many areas, unaffordable.
“These imbalances in the market cannot be resolved without a strategic solution and co-ordinated plan by all levels of government.
“In the meantime, what it means for developers is they should be focused on developing the middle rings with family-suitable accommodation close to transport hubs and schools. There are actually many areas that have a great potential and carry a low risk, it is only a matter of business strategy and proper risk management practices.”
DORON PELEG is the CEO of Riskwise
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The missing middle should be developer focus: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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Dior has lodged its final plans for refurbishment at prominent historic site in Sydney's CBD.
A Sydney Dior store's <a href="https://cdn.online.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/dasearch/onexhibition/1464238-12050077.PDF" target="_blank">final plans for renovation</a> was lodged by senior heritage architect of Curio Projects, Susanne Magers, and director of Curio Projects, Natalie Vinton, to the City of Sydney Council on January 24, 2020. 
The Castlereagh Street and King Street property projected a total of $9,977,277 for its refurbishment with Curio Projects.
"The site is located in the vicinity of a number of local and state heritage listed buildings," reports Curio Projects. Consequently, Christian Dior Australia had commissioned Curio Projects to prepare its Heritage Impact Statement in support of its Development Application to the council for permission to make internal aesthetics and structural changes. 
The 153 King Street block has a diverse history and has undergone many extensive changes.
Consequently, Curio Projects has expressed Dior's intentions of preserving its historic value.
In 1858, the then single-storey block was called the Carrier's Arms, which was then replaced by another hotel, named the Colonnade Hotel.
Around 1861 and by the 1870s, it was one of 13 hotels located within a 50-yard radius, making it the densest concentration of hotels in the CBD area. 
In 1880, a three-storey hotel off the same name was constructed by rapidly underwent several changes. 
By 1896, Surrey Hotel took over, licensed under Frank Underwood, and remained for the next 80 years. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/7_DIOR.jpg" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://cdn.online.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/dasearch/onexhibition/1464238-12041150.PDF" target="_blank">Curio Projects 2019, Heritage Impact Statement Dior Building prepared for Christian Dior Australia</a>
The Surrey Hotel was architecturally impacted with the construction of the Culwulla Chambers.
The owners of the Surrey Hotel's refusal to sell their property for the development of the Culwulla Chambers, resulted in the unusual shape of the building. 
According to a 1912 Daily Telegraph report, the owners "regretted the ugly corner". 
By 1928, Tooth &amp; Co owned the Surrey Hotel, who commissioned the architectural firm, Prevost, Synnot &amp; Ruwald to remodel the hotel to its present façade. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/7_Dior%20Stunted%20Growth.jpg" alt="" width="338" height="374">
Source: <a href="https://cdn.online.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/dasearch/onexhibition/1464238-12041150.PDF" target="_blank">Curio Projects 2019, Heritage Impact Statement Dior Building prepared for Christian Dior Australia</a>
<div class="page" title="Page 29">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The State Heritage Register listing for the ‘Former Surrey Hotel including interiors’ has provided a Statement of Significance since 2012. It states: 
"Christian Dior, formerly the Surrey Hotel, is a four-storey building of Interwar Free Classical Style, located on a prominent corner block. The building has historic significance as an important building in the professional work of the noted architect Provost, for the lengthy tradition of hotel trade on this site since 1860's, and for its ability to reflect the development of King Street as a major city cross street. It has high aesthetic significance as a rare and outstanding example of a highly intact terracotta clad exterior with outstanding potential to continue in its restored state. It has social significance for its role as part of a network of purpose- built hotels which provided both a social and recreational venue, and budget accommodation in the city. It has high scientific significance for its early use of a terracotta clad exterior."
 
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
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Dior lodges $9.9 million proposal for refurbishment in Sydney

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Online home loans are offered by banks and lenders that do not have branch access or employ staff to meet with customers in person. 
More often than not, the trade-off is getting cheaper interest rates and paying lower ongoing fees. 
While most banks and lenders are governed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), some online lenders are not governed by the APRA. 
Nonetheless, all online lenders must adhere to a set of guidelines by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) which means, though you won't have any in-person banking service, you will still have consumer protection rights which includes the right to make a complaint through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
There are a growing number of online lenders in the Australian market, the main ones being <a href="https://www.clickloans.com.au/" target="_blank">Click Loans</a> (3.76 per cent comparison rate per annum), <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/" target="_blank">ME Bank</a> (3.44 per cent), <a href="https://www.statecustodians.com.au/" target="_blank">State Custodians </a>(2.85 per cent)<a href="https://www.statecustodians.com.au/" target="_blank">,</a> <a href="https://www.ubank.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">UBank</a> (2.84 per cent),<a href="https://tictoc.com.au/" target="_blank"> Tic:Toc</a> (2.8 per cent) <a href="https://australianmortgage.com/" target="_blank">Australian Mortage Marketplace (AMM)</a>, and <a href="https://www.loans.com.au/" target="_blank">loans.com.au</a> (2.8 per cent) to name a few. 
Like most home loans, online home loans require applicants to submit paperwork proving their eligibility for a loan. 
At <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au/home-loans/" target="_blank">ME Bank</a> for instance, the below are required:
1. Proof of Identity
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/5_IDENTITY.jpg" alt="">
 
Not being able to meet and greet you in person means that online lenders will need proof that who they're lending to is you. 
Applicants will need at least 100 points of ID upon application. 
ME Bank recommends, "A passport is a good start, plus a combination of your driver's licence, bank cards, Medicare card or birth certificate." 
2. Paperwork 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/business-office-entrepreneur-professional.jpg" alt="" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000;">
Not everything online is more convenient, and the paperwork required for an online home loan is a prime example. 
ME Bank required its applicants to have: 
<ul>
<li>At least three consecutive payslips;</li>
<li>A copy of your latest PAYG Summary or Notice of Assessment from the ATO; </li>
<li>Any bank statements showing other income, like Centrelink payments;</li>
<li>Your accountant's details, if you're self-employed; and </li>
<li>Evidence you've saved for a deposit. </li>
</ul>
In addition, paperwork regarding your financial position is needed because being eligible for a home loan is not solely based on how much one earns. 
This set of paperwork is necessary in assuring lenders that you can afford to repay your loan. Therefore, ME Bank also requires:
<ul>
<li>Any other loans or debts you have, like car finance or personal loans; </li>
<li>Assets in your name; and</li>
<li>An estimate of your living expenses.</li>
</ul>
Most lenders will also require you to have a clean credit report prior to approving your finance, so a copy of your cred report will also be important. 
Last but not least, the final piece of paperwork is a statement from you about the security for your loan, which in laymen terms means the home you are applying a loan for. 
You will be required to supply details in writing of the property, and include the signed contract of sale.
If you're building, you'll need a council permit and your fixed-price builders contract. 
Like most of the prior procedures, this is to assure lenders of where the money is going, and whether it is a secure investment. 
3. A Solicitor or Conveyancer
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/5_LAWYERS.jpg" alt="">
Last but not least, towards the end of the application, you will be asked to provide details of your solicitor or conveyancer. 
ME Bank explains, "Having your legal professional lined up before you're ready to apply for a loan will speed up the paperwork."
ME Bank is an online bank founded in 1994, and is owned by a group of approximately 30 Industry Super Funds. 
Around 5,000 of Australia's 11,000 mortgage brokers are accredited with ME Bank, so it is crucial that you ask your mortgage broker if they offer ME's home loans. 
Online home loans also have a selection to choose from, so it is recommended that aspiring borrowers shop around to see which is most suitable. 
State Custodians for instance offer the below:
<ul>
<li>Low Rate Home Loan; </li>
<li>Investment Home Loan;</li>
<li>Fixed Rate Home Loan; </li>
<li>Interest Only Home Loan; and</li>
<li>Low Rate Line of Credit </li>
</ul>
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What you need to know when getting an online home loan: ME Bank

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Land values across the Hunter region have generally increased since 1 July 2018. 
The NSW Acting Deputy Valuer General, Paul Chudleigh, has recently published land values for the Hunter region.
The land values reflect the property market at 1 July 2019.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/3/8_Hunter%20Region.jpg" alt="">
Hunter region local government areas include Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Singleton, and Upper Hunter.
<h2>General overview</h2>
The total land value for the Hunter region increased by 2.3 per cent between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2019 from $23 billion to $23.6 billion.
The movement of residential land values across the region generally remained steady at one per cent. However, a slight increase (3.5 per cent) was experienced in the Upper Hunter local government area.
Overall, commercial land values in the region increased slightly by two per cent. Most land values remained steady, however Maitland local government area experienced an increase of 3.1 per cent attributed to increased demand for commercial services within Maitland’s local centers.
Industrial land values in the region increased moderately overall by 6.3 per cent. The strongest increases were experienced in Cessnock (9.9 per cent) and Maitland (9.7 per cent) where land values were impacted positively by the Hunter Expressway and improved access to Newcastle.
Rural land values experienced an overall increase of five per cent. The rural increases occurred despite ongoing drought conditions. Dungog local government area had the strongest overall increase at 7.6 per cent.
Mr Chudleigh said property sales are the most important factor considered by valuers when determining land values.
“It is important to note that land value is the value of the land only and does not include the value of a home or other structures.”
The 1 July land values have been prepared by private contract valuers with expertise in their local areas working on behalf of the Valuer General, to determine new land values across the region. Property NSW, part of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, has quality assured the land values for accuracy and consistency.
Mr Chudleigh said councils receive new land values for rating at least every three years. All councils have been issued with 1 July 2019 land values.
“Land values are one factor used by councils to calculate rates,” said Mr Chudleigh. “Changes in land value don’t always mean a change in council rates.
Each council develops a revenue policy to use when calculating rates to fund services for the community. Councils make their draft policy available for public comment.”
Landholders will receive a Notice of Valuation showing their land value before it is used by council for rating. This gives landholders time to consider their land value.
Revenue NSW will use the 1 July 19 land values to calculate land tax for the 2020 land tax year. Registered land tax clients will receive a land tax assessment from Revenue NSW from late January 2020.
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Hunter land values increased since July 2018

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The Block's Dan and Dani, who have appeared on the show for two years running, are teaming up with Tradiematepro.
They are also the founders of the Red Door Project with this latest project aiming to help builders and tradies improve processes and transparency. 
Dani said, “too many tradies who run their own business are still providing written quotes and invoices, don’t know their financials and cash-flow, or even how much time they are spending on the job."
“Those days are gone. If tradies want to thrive in this industry, they want to help educate homeowners that the cheapest quote isn't always the best – as many are still vulnerable to cowboy tradies whose costs blow out simply because they underquoted the job to get the job."
“Having systems in place will also help tradies to navigate unexpected hurdles – like the coronavirus, recent fires and floods, which have led to a 3-6 month delay in supply of joinery products, for example, and driving up the costs of some hardwood prices.”
Dan says they’re also encouraging business owners to look at workplace culture, creating incentive programs and really focusing on client needs and communication. 
Dan and Dani will be available for coaching at <a href="https://www.tradiematepro.com.au/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Tradiematepro</a>.
 
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The Block's Dan and Dani teaming up with Tradiematepro

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Recent disastrous <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/bushfires-1377">bushfires</a> have rebooted debate about how to (re)build in the Australian bush. Questions are being asked about <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-building-codes-dont-expect-houses-to-be-fire-proof-and-thats-by-design-129540">building standards</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-standards-give-us-false-hope-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-fireproof-house-130165">whether a fire-proof home is possible</a>, the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/government-approved-bushfire-bunkers-could-help-protect-homes-lives-20200101-p53o0m">value of fire bunkers</a> when it’s too late to leave, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/before-we-rush-to-rebuild-after-fires-we-need-to-think-about-where-and-how-130049">if we should even live in the bush</a> any more.
I suggest homes and community buildings in bushfire-prone areas can be made much more fire-resistant, perhaps even fire-proof, by adopting earth-covered, off-grid structures – known as <a href="https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/about">Earthships</a> – as the new standard.
Built for survival
Houses sheltered by earth have a higher chance of survival in a bushfire. This is because <a href="https://inhabitat.com/this-earth-sheltered-australian-hobbit-home-stay-cozy-all-year/">earth-based constructions are non-flammable</a> (while topsoil can burn and smoulder, clayey, sandy and gravelly soil does not).
A typical Earthship design has double-glazed windows to the north to let in winter sun, while mounds of earth, pushed up to roof level, protect the south, east and west walls. Taking this a step further, an earth-covered house includes a layer of earth over the roof.
The north-facing double-glazed windows (an essential element of <a href="https://sustainability.williams.edu/green-building-basics/passive-solar-design">passive solar design</a>) is the only part of the building that needs some other protection.
<a href="https://hia.com.au/business-information/standards-regulations/building-in-bushfire-prone-areas">Bushfire building codes and standards</a> already demand that windows have extra-thick, toughened glass to resist burning debris and intense heat. Double glazing (two layers of glass separated by a small air gap) offers extra protection. In very high-risk areas, bushfire shutters are a requirement.
Although not demanded by building codes, automated sprinklers could be used to spray water on the windows. But automated systems are problematic during a bushfire when <a href="https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/news/2019/ten-years-black-saturday-what-have-we-discovered">power and water supplies are likely to fail</a>.
Independent water supplies (big water tanks) and pumps (usually petrol or diesel) are often a condition of approval for new homes in fire-prone areas. However, these are difficult to automate because of choke, throttle, ignition and refuelling issues.
Examples around Australia
Enter the Earthship. Invented by American architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Reynolds_(architect)">Michael Reynolds</a>, thousands have been built all over the world, often by owner-builders.
I built Australia’s first council-approved Earthship – Earthship Ironbank - in the bushfire-prone Adelaide hills. Australian examples can be found in all states, including at <a href="http://www.earthshipironbank.com.au/">Ironbank</a> in South Australia, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-30/kinglake-black-saturday-survivor-builds-earthship/9091972">Kinglake</a> in Victoria, <a href="https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/east-augusta-wa">East Augusta</a> and <a href="https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/jurien-bay-wa">Jurien Bay</a> in Western Australia, and <a href="https://www.earthshipecohomes.com.au/suburban-earthship">Narara</a> and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/it-geek-building-dream-home-out-of-old-tyres-bottles-and-cans/">Marulan</a> in New South Wales.
Earthships have an electric pump powered by solar panels and a battery for day-to-day water supply – and to fight fires. Sprinklers can then spray water on any vulnerable areas regardless of grid failures and without needing to deal with the flammable fuel that petrol and diesel pumps require.
The standard Earthship design has another feature that could save lives. Underground pipes called earth-tubes or cooling tubes bring fresh air into the building at a nice temperature (better than outside) due to the heat-exchanging effect of the earth around the pipes. When wet fabric is placed over the end of the pipes, these can filter out bushfire smoke.
Earth-covered homes are very air-tight, which combined with the earth-tubes helps keep out smoke and reduce <a href="https://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/katherine-haynes.pdf">asphyxiation risks</a>.
Another defence mechanism is the “greenhouse”, a sunroom and corridor space on the sunny north side used for passive heating and cooling, treating wastewater and growing food. Yet another layer of double glazing isolates the greenhouse from the living spaces behind it. Adding indoor sprinklers (commonplace in commercial buildings) to the greenhouse could create a “wet buffer zone” and stop embers blowing into living areas where flammable furnishings are a hazard.
An iconic Earthship feature is the tyres used to form the exterior earth walls. While empty tyres are highly flammable, in this design they are not. The tyres are filled with compacted earth and protected by a layer of earth many metres thick (inside walls are rendered). There is already <a href="https://pangeabuilders.com/earthship-buildings-are-fire-resistant-not-a-total-loss/">evidence of their fire-resistant nature</a>.
Safer for the planet too
My PhD research focused on the energy efficiency and environmental footprint of the Earthship, comparing it to other construction systems and designs.
Earth is a low-cost, readily available material. It takes very little energy to dig it up, needs no processing and minimal (if any) transport. It is difficult to think of a more sustainable, inexpensive and non-flammable material.
I found off-grid homes minimise their eco-footprint by kicking three very dirty habits: the power, water and sewage grids. “Earthy” construction methods, such as Earthship, rammed earth, mudbrick and strawbale, also have much lower environmental impacts.
Earth-covered buildings are <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/books/energy-conservation/earth-shelters-a-review-of-energy-conservation-properties-in-earth-sheltered-housing">renowned for their energy efficiency</a>. Earth insulates and has “thermal mass”, an architectural term for dense materials (e.g. concrete, brick, rammed earth, water). Thermal mass evens out temperature changes by absorbing heat when it is too hot inside and releasing heat when it is too cold inside. This means minimal heating and cooling bills.
There are a few “tricks” to getting council approval. Hire an experienced structural engineer and use a private certifier or surveyor for building rules consent as they are better equipped to certify compliance with the <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-online/About">National Construction Code</a>. The one aspect of the Earthship I couldn’t get approved was an <a href="http://www.earthshipironbank.com.au/">indoor greywater garden and toilet-flushing system</a>.
Parts of the roof are earth-covered with fire-fighting sprinklers on the roof and windows. If I was building again I’d prioritise bushfire resilience by making it fully earth-covered with fire shutters, sprinklers and a safe room.
Further study is needed to scientifically validate my proposal here. However, we already have some evidence that Earthships, with a few minor design changes, might be the most sustainable, liveable, economical, fire-resistant buildings ever conceived of.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131291/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/martin-freney-953199">Martin Freney</a>, Lecturer in Industrial and Sustainable Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-earthships-could-make-rebuilding-safer-in-bushfire-zones-131291">original article</a>.
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What are Earthships and how can they help with bushfire rebuilding?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia has just experienced a summer of environmental extremes. Water has played a key role. This includes prolonged drought, <a href="https://theconversation.com/weather-bureau-says-hottest-driest-year-on-record-led-to-extreme-bushfire-season-129447" target="_blank">dry soil and bushland contributing to bushfires</a>, and widespread shortages of water for agriculture and drinking supplies. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/21/australia-fires-has-the-rain-put-out-the-bushfires-and-could-they-flare-again" target="_blank">rain extinguished many bushfires</a> that had burned for weeks and months.
The late summer heavy rain fell in some, but not all, regions. Australia’s capital city water supplies have had different fortunes this summer. The Bureau of Meteorology “<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/state" target="_blank">water dashboard</a>” provides daily data.
Cities where storages are low
Five capital city water supplies dropped over summer by between 2.2% and 11.4% of their storage capacity.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Hobart" target="_blank">Hobart</a> has proportionally dropped the most, by 11.4 percentage points, to 59.8%. This reflects relatively small storages and the city’s dry summer with only 65mm of rain. That’s less than half the historic average.
The <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Adelaide" target="_blank">Adelaide</a> storages fell by 8.4 points to 43.5%. Adelaide had a typical dry summer with 66mm. That’s close to the historic average, as the city has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers.
Adelaide’s water storages provided only 10% of the city’s water supply in 2018-19, with <a href="https://www.sawater.com.au/community-and-environment/our-water-and-sewerage-systems/water-sources">83% drawn from the Murray River</a>. The Commonwealth is providing nearly <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-07/drought-stimulus-sa-desalination-plant-murray-river-water-farms/11679136">A$100 million</a> for Adelaide’s desalination plant. This aims to allow upstream irrigators to grow fodder with the river water that was destined for Adelaide.
 
Perth has had another dry summer. Its catchment rivers have supplied only 44.1 gigalitres (GL) of water since April 2019. This is much lower than the <a href="https://www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply/rainfall-and-dams/streamflow">long-term pre-1975 average of 413GL</a> over the same time period.
Perth water storages <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Perth">fell by 5.7 percentage points this summer to 39.5%</a>, the lowest of all capital city supplies.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Canberra">Canberra</a> lost 4.6% of its water supply. The end-of-summer level of 46.5% continues a rapid decline from 100% in October 2016.
Despite the falling reserves, Canberra’s Icon Water has not imposed water restrictions. It <a href="https://www.iconwater.com.au/My-Home/Saving-Water/why-isnt-canberra-in-water-restrictions.aspx">advises</a> that the Cotter Dam was enlarged in 2013. Icon Water can also draw “top-up” water from the Murrumbidgee River.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Melbourne">Melbourne’s</a> supplies fell 2.2 percentage points to 61.6%.
Cities where storages rose
Three capital cities recorded water storage increases this summer.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Darwin">Darwin’s</a> supply was close to full as recently as April 2018. Since then it has been on a downward trend. A modest 6.4% gain over this summer’s wet season took it to 60.3%.
Darwin appears to be having its second poor wet season in a row. The city had 675mm of rain (Darwin Airport) this summer. That’s about 67% of its historic summer average of just over 1,000mm.
<a href="https://www.powerwater.com.au/about/what-we-do/water-supply/darwin-water-supply">Options canvassed for increasing Darwin water supply</a> include using Manton Dam, which was built in the 1940s but is now used for recreation.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Brisbane">Brisbane’s</a> southeast Queensland storages increased by 8.6 percentage points to 69.6%.
<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/urban?location=Sydney">Sydney’s</a> storages increased the most, by 35.7 points to 81.4%.
Sydney was distressed by its dwindling water supplies as summer approached. Storages were at 45.7% at the start of December. <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/level-2-water-restrictions-to-start-across-sydney/">Level 2 water restrictions were imposed</a> from December 10.
These were the toughest summer water restrictions for an Australian capital city. All use of hoses for gardens and washing cars was banned. Many Sydneysiders struggled to keep their gardens alive, lugging around buckets and watering cans. A catchcry across Sydney was “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/nov/24/let-your-lawn-die-five-ways-to-care-for-a-garden-in-a-drought">let your lawn die</a>”.
On February 6 2020, heavy rains started falling in coastal southeastern Australia, including Sydney and its water catchments.
The automatic weather station at Mount Boyce, near Blackheath on the edge of the Warragamba Dam catchment, recorded <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/202002/html/IDCJDW2087.202002.shtml">415mm in four days</a>. From February 6-27 Sydney’s water storages nearly doubled, from 41.7% to nearly 82%. This added more than 1 million megalitres (ML), equivalent to more than 1.5 years’ demand.
On February 6, parched catchments were adding 10ML a day to Warragamba Dam. A week later the catchment rivers had risen and many were in minor flood, adding <a href="/news">65,000ML a day</a> on February 13.
At the end of summer Sydney Water <a href="https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm">announced</a> it was dropping level 2 restrictions.
Some parts missed out
The February rains were patchy, however. Many water-stressed parts of New South Wales were not so lucky.
Orange in the state’s Central West remained on <a href="https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/water/">level 5 water restrictions</a> all summer. Orange Council pleaded with residents to curb water use to less than 160 litres per person per day. Residents responded by using even less, averaging <a href="https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/water/oranges-water-supply/">126 litres a day</a> in February.
Nearby Bathurst declared <a href="https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/396-environment/energy-sustainability/waterrestrictions">“extreme” water restrictions</a> from February 24. Its main storage, Chifley Dam, is just under 30% and also had a blue-green algae alert.
Chaffey Dam provides drinking water to the Tamworth area and sits at <a href="https://www.keywater.com.au/dam-storage-levels/">just 14.3%</a>. Over summer it received over 800ML but has to balance this inflow with environmental releases. Tamworth remains on <a href="https://yourvoice.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/town-water-supplies/water-restrictions">level 5 restrictions</a>. If Chaffey Dam drops below 10% a daily <a href="https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6583543/100-litre-target-to-be-set-if-chaffey-falls-to-10-per-cent/">target of 100 litres per person looms</a>.
A cause for concern is that many large NSW irrigation dams across the Murray-Darling River system remain very low for the start of autumn. For example, Burrendong Dam near Dubbo was at <a href="https://realtimedata.waternsw.com.au/">4.5% at the end of summer</a>. This dam supplies water to the city via the Macquarie River.
The Macquarie River also supplies other settlements, irrigators and industry, such as the mines at Cobar.
Flooding rains in inland Queensland are returning healthy flows to dry inland rivers such as the Barwon and the Darling. On February 25, Bourke Shire Council <a href="https://bourke.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/mr200225.pdf">announced</a> happy news that “strong flows in the Darling River” allowed the lifting of water restrictions. Bourke residents had endured water restrictions for more than 550 days.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/132669/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-wright-5162">Ian Wright</a>, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-reynolds-398576">Jason Reynolds</a>, Senior Lecturer in Geochemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-city-by-city-guide-to-how-water-supplies-fared-in-australias-summer-of-extremes-132669">original article</a>.
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How water supplies fared in Australia’s summer of extremes

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For the first time in 50 years, a historic beachside residence in Bronte sold.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley estate agents Alexander Phillips and David Tyrrell managed the sale.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bronte-132901366" target="_blank">Bronte Road residence</a> is one of only ten properties that backs onto Bronte Park.
The strata-titled duplex sold for around $5 million according to Mr Phillips.
The 308 sqm block was previously divided into two private strata-titled homes, with 114 sqm internally in each duplex. 
The 1940s Art Deco duplex features high ceilings, original fireplace, private entries, open plan dining, a traditional verandah, north-facing gardens, and a basement laundry. 
According to Domain, 22 other four-bedroom houses in the area were recently sold. 
A similar house in the area on St Thomas Street recently sold for $4.1 million in January. 
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Historic beachside Bronte strata-titled duplex sold 

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A luxury Paradise Point oceanfront home sold for $6,750,000 on January 26, 2020. 
The three-storey <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-paradise+point-132675586" target="_blank">Ephraim Island Access home</a> was listed through Amir Prestige estate agent Alister Billingsley. 
The four-bedroom, five-bathroom house features lift access to all three floors, four ensuite rooms with either water or park views, established gardens, a manicured lawn and water features.
The kitchen on the ground level is complete with Miele appliances including a steamer, coffee machine and gas cooktop.
The open plan living and dining area transitions out through bi-fold stacker doors to the alfresco dinning area that overlooks the in-ground pool.
The 965 sqm home also has a large or third living area, a timber staircase, and a gas fireplace. 
According to Domain, 39 other four-bedroom houses in Paradise Point have recently been sold. 
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Oceanfront Paradise Point trophy home sold

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

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Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Staff reporter

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